Candidates | Decipher Group

Candidate Interview Tips

Job Search Interview Guide

Many factors are involved in and influence the job selection process. Perhaps the most crucial is the face-to-face session - the interview. Because it's a one-off, no-second-chances-situation, it's vital you are at your best in the interview.

You may hear people say "I interview badly" as if there is nothing they can do about it. In fact, there is plenty you can do. Interviewing well is all about preparation and practice. This section is divided up into the following, self-explanatory categories. All are designed to help you improve your performance in interviews:

Preparing for the interview

On the day
Anticipating potential interview questions
Questions to ask
Concluding the interview

Preparing for your interview

You can never prepare enough for an interview. Your aim should be to find out as much as possible about the role, the company and the person interviewing you. Look at the company’s website and learn something about them before you attend your interview. Give them the opportunity to talk proudly about something positive that you have found.

One of the first questions often asked by an interviewer or panel is "what do you know about our company?" If you have prepared well, you will be able to reply confidently. This will also demonstrate your interest in the role and your information-seeking skills.

Study the job description, taking time to anticipate potential questions and those you want to ask. Remember to focus on the required outputs and key performance indicators.

On the day

'You only get one chance to make a good first impression'. Use this opportunity.

Here are some pointers to help you perform to the best of your ability:

Confirm the location and timing for the interview. If you are unsure, check out the location so you know exactly where it is and how you will get there on the day. Cover transport and parking – perhaps do a “drive by” the day before.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early.
Never restrict yourself with time. The interviewer(s) may want you to meet other members of the organisation or take you on an impromptu site tour - all positive signs in terms of their level of interest. Be certain you do not have (or can avoid) commitments in the hour or so after you anticipate the interview finishing so you can comfortably extend the interview without being distracted.
Ensure you know the interviewer's full name, how to pronounce it correctly and his/her title.
In addition to the forward preparation you have done, take time to refresh yourself with details of your present and past employers and the key responsibilities of previous roles that are relevant.
Check your CV for possible gaps and make sure you know how you are going to explain time gaps on your CV.
Dress professionally in simple business attire. Just because you are going to be working in a ski resort does not mean you should wear sunglasses and a fleece into your interview.
Be enthusiastic and positive. Never criticise previous employers, particularly within the industry. Focus on positive achievements and views.
Take a spare CV with you.
Turn off your cell phone.
SMILE! Shake hands firmly when meeting the interviewer (and others) and maintain eye contact (without glaring).

Anticipating potential questions

Usually interview questions are based on the technical and behavioural requirements of the role and as such, you will be able to anticipate many of these by having a good understanding of the role, the requirements and the organisation (as much as you can reasonably have).

These questions are often formulated using a competency-based technique which is designed to demonstrate past behaviours as a predictor of future performance. The questions are typically prefaced by "give me an example of..." or "tell me about a time...”.

In response it is a good idea to have a real example to call on – so make certain you practice these answers. If possible, practice on someone so that you can get some feedback. You will need to explain clearly how you approached these situations, why you used that particular method or action and what was the outcome or achievement. Keep on point and answer as succinctly as you can.

In addition to a series of competency-based questions relating to skills required, be prepared to answer questions such as:

What do you know about our company? Our products? Our services? And do you have any questions? (Remember, this is your opportunity to demonstrate all the preparation you have done).
What is the ideal role for you?
Where do you want to take your career in the next 5 years? 10 years?
What have you enjoyed most in your career to date?
What management style gets the most from you?
What motivates you?
What does teamwork mean to you? Or tell me when you have felt part of a team?
What has been your most notable achievement(s) to date?
Why did you choose this particular vocation?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses? Try to find an area of your experience/skill that is currently lacking or needs some development. An interviewer will appreciate your candor as long as whatever you disclose can be easily remedied and does not demonstrate a critical character flaw.

When answering questions, be honest! There really is no point embellishing your background and/or skills. If you get caught out, you can be sure you won't be around for long! Job interviews are about matching needs and skills and if there isn't a good match the chances are that the job won't work out.

Questions to ask

Asking relevant questions about the job and the organisation is another opportunity to demonstrate the preparation you have put into the interview and give you an opportunity to clarify any uncertain areas for yourself. Although you need to ensure that the opportunity is right for you, the emphasis should be placed on what is expected of you and not what you expect from the company.